The first day of summer, June 21, would mark Omar Truitt’s first day as an Iowa Hawkeye — only, nobody knew it but him.

In the days since receiving an offer from the Hawkeyes last week, the St. John’s cornerback had engrossed himself in just about everything Iowa, gawking at their football stadium, researching the school’s various majors and envisioning himself in the black and gold. He planned to announce his decision on the summer solstice, at Iowa’s elite junior day.

But this weekend, Truitt asked his dad if he could make up his mind before the event, saying “Why wait if I know where I want to go?” The rising senior followed through on his feelings Monday, calling Iowa assistant coach Chris White to make his oral commitment official.

“He was speechless,” Truitt said in a Tuesday phone interview. “He texted the other staff that we’ve got another one on board, and I was his first commitment since he came to the school, so he was really happy and excited.”

Truitt had also garnered a recent offer from Maryland, the one other school that he seriously considered among offers from Miami (OH), Richmond and Syracuse. But the 5-11, 185-pounder couldn’t shake his love for Iowa, despite his first visit still being two weeks away.

Displaying strong bump-and-run coverage skills and plenty of speed, the Hawkeyes gain a class of 2014 recruit who can make an immediate impact at the cornerback position. As a two-way player last season, Truitt totaled 296 yards and three touchdowns within the Cadets’ offense.

Truitt also has a strong football pedigree, what with his dad, Olanda, having spent five seasons as an NFL wideout before retiring in 1998.

Though his recruitment had recently heated up and Truitt still plans to attend several college camps in the coming weeks at the likes of Georgia, N.C. State, Ohio State and Tennessee, the strong prospect said he is firm in his commitment to Iowa.

“I’m solid with Iowa and I know it’s the place for me,” Truitt said. “I feel like I can make an impact there and be a playmaker that can bring a lot to the program.”

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